Orthopedics

The goal of tendon-repair surgery is to restore function and help patients become pain-free as quickly as possible. SurgiMend provides a structural support – augmenting tendon repair to encourage healing. Studies show that an overlay of SurgiMend can boost repair strength by approximately 50 percent, while a circumferential wrapping of the tendon (e.g., the Achilles tendon), can double the strength of the repair site. SurgiMend is constituted from bioactive fetal bovine dermis, which is rich in type III collagen – a key building block for tissue development. The collagen implant invokes a natural healing response that is similar to transplanted fascia and other soft tissue autografts, but the fetal bovine source material is readily available and makes a variety of sizes possible.

SurgiMend implants are progressively reconstituted by host cells and blood vessels. Studies show that a tendon defect repaired with SurgiMend is ultimately filled with dense, functional, tendon-like tissue. A biphasic stress-strain profile is inherent to SuMend. It is soft and pliable during surgery with excellent handling and suturing characteristics. However, when placed under tension and stretched, the product approximates the biomechanical strength and stiffness of native tendon.

Safety is also assured. TEI’s proprietary process removes cellular components and potentially infectious agents, and all of our biologic matrix products are terminally sterilized.

Applications:

• Achilles tendon
• Biceps tendon
• Quadriceps tendon
• Rotator cuff
• Other tendons